Can I pay cash for a car or property in Malta?
Yes, but with a limit: you cannot pay €10,000 or more in cash for certain high-value purchases. The Use of Cash (Restriction) Regulations (S.L. 373.04), in force since 9 March 2021, prohibit cash payments of €10,000 or more when you buy or sell immovable property, a motor vehicle, a boat or vessel, jewellery, precious stones and metals or pearls, works of art and antiques. A cheque, card or bank transfer is not "cash" and stays allowed for any amount. The myth: that this is a general limit on every payment — it is not. Today it applies only to those listed goods; ordinary shopping has no cash limit. But from 10 July 2027 the EU Regulation 2024/1624 introduces a general €10,000 limit across the whole EU. Whoever breaks the rule — buyer or seller — can face a fine of at least 40% of the sum paid in cash above €9,999.99.
📋 The rules
- The limit applies to cash payments of €10,000 or more for buying or selling immovable property, vehicles, vessels, jewellery, precious stones and metals, pearls, art and antiques.
- "Cash" means banknotes and coins; cheques, cards and bank transfers are not covered and can be used for any amount.
- The restriction binds both the buyer and the seller — either can be penalised if the payment is made.
- Another similar purchase from the same seller within 6 months counts as one linked transaction, so no one can split a large payment into pieces.
- From 10 July 2027 a general EU limit of €10,000 in cash applies to almost every commercial transaction, not just the listed goods.
🔓 Exceptions
- A cash purchase under €10,000 stays allowed; the limit is only crossed when the payment reaches or exceeds this figure.
- Transactions paid by cheque, card or bank transfer are not restricted, whatever the amount.
- Payments that do not involve the listed goods, such as everyday shopping, have no cash limit under these regulations — until 2027.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
A breach is not just a warning. A person — buyer or seller — who pays or receives €10,000 or more in cash for a covered item can face an administrative fine of at least 40% of the sum above €9,999.99; on a €50,000 purchase that means at least €16,000 on the excess. The FIAU is the authority that enforces the regulations, and there is scope for a settlement at a lower amount only with the consent of the Attorney General. Because both the payer and the receiver are held responsible, a car or property seller who accepts the cash can end up sharing the penalty. Beyond the fine, a transaction in that much cash raises money-laundering questions and leaves a trail with the bank and the notary, and it can trigger further scrutiny of the source of your funds.
📎 Official sources
- Legislation Malta · Use of Cash (Restriction) Regulations (S.L. 373.04) →
- FIAU Malta · the anti-money-laundering authority that enforces the rule →
- Legislation Malta · Prevention of Money Laundering Act (Cap. 373) →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I pay for a €12,000 car entirely in cash?
No, not entirely in cash — €10,000 or more in cash for a vehicle is prohibited under S.L. 373.04. You can pay part in cash below the limit and the rest another way, or use a cheque or bank transfer for the full amount, which are not restricted.
Does this apply to every cash purchase?
No. The limit applies only to a specific list of high-value goods — property, vehicles, vessels, jewellery, precious metals and stones, art and antiques. Ordinary shopping still has no cash limit, at least until the general EU limit comes in during 2027.
Who gets fined — me or the seller?
Both. The regulations bind the buyer and the seller alike, so even the person accepting the cash can be penalised. The fine is at least 40% of the sum above €9,999.99, and it can be split between the parties to the transaction.
What if I split the payment into two instalments?
It does not work. If you buy similar goods from the same seller within six months, the payments are added together as a single transaction. So two payments of €6,000 each for the same purchase exceed the limit and break the rule.
Is anything about to change?
Yes. From 10 July 2027 the EU Regulation 2024/1624 introduces a harmonised €10,000 cash limit across the whole EU for almost every commercial transaction, not only the goods listed today. This means other large cash payments will also become restricted.
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